Events Calendar

The year 2014 is the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, an anniversary that is recognized and commemorated nationally and internationally. Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience showcases the important role African-Americans played in the historical and cultural development of America.
The birth of the African-American experience took place in St. Augustine. The first freed Black settlement was established here; the Emancipation Proclamation was read here; on the very streets that were laid down in 1573 by the Spanish Crown marched Civil Rights activists – nearly four centuries later – calling for the fundamental rights our country mandates.
This state-of-the-art exhibition features authentic objects, original documents, powerful photographs and interactive elements that depict the journey African-Americans experienced from our country’s beginnings until today. The exhibition anchors a citywide passport program that connects visitors, residents and students to important African-American historical sites, exhibitions and programs throughout St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
The St. Augustine 450th Commemoration partnered with local and national organizations to present the true and accurate story of African-Americans and their important cultural contributions
What: Journey: 450 Years of the African American Experience
Where: Visitor Information Center at 10 W. Castillo Dr.
When: Open daily (9 am – 5pm) from Jan. 20- July 15, 2014.
Why: The story of African-Americans mirrors the history of St. Augustine, from the clash of Old and New World cultures and the struggle for European control to the growth of colonies on the backs of slaves and the unending, centuries-long fight for freedom. St. Augustine has been part of America since its beginnings, and African-Americans have played a key role in the birth of this nation.
Price: Adults $5; Seniors $4 (60+); Youth $3 (aged 7-12); Youth 6 & under FREE; Family of 4 $15; Military in uniform FREE; St. Johns County residents (with photo ID) FREE; University and College students (with ID) FREE.

Call (904) 829-3800 for more information.

Carriage Way Bed and Breakfast is nestled comfortably in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine. Come stay with us and experience all the history and fun St. Augustine has to offer.

Take a tour of Flagler College that highlights the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon. Built by millionaire developer, Henry Flagler, in 1888, the hotel is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture and houses the largest collection of in use Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. Located at 74 King Street, tours depart from the Rotunda at the top of each hour between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $1.00 for children, and free to St. Johns County Residents.

Tour a full-sized replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon. Docked at the St. Augustine City Marina, the Andalucia is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played such an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. Built in Spain, it is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The ship is available for tours Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturady & Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adult; $8 for youth. Tickets are available at the Colonial Quarter and St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-1606

Eco Tours - St. Augustine Eco Tours take nature enthusiasts of all ages on guided tours of the waters and salt marshes surrounding the Oldest City. See coastal birds like ospreys and herons, marine mammals including bottlenose dolphin and an occasional manatee -- all in a beautiful setting of amazing scenery. Daily tours aboard their special explorer vessel take 2-6 guests through 12 miles of tidal creeks and coastal waters -- listen for dolphin conversations using the vessel's underwater microphones! $40 per adult, $35 for children ages 3-12, $15 for infants to age 2. Private tours for up to six guests available for $199. Sail daily aboard the Sirenia to see wildlife, soak up the afternoon sun or watch as a romantic sunset colors the evening sky. $45 per adult, $35 for children ages 3-12, $15 for infants to age 2. Private tours for up to six guests available for $249. Daily two-hour (10 a.m. - noon) kayak tours take paddlers into the estuary and provide a unique perspective on the Castillo de San Marcos fortress. Instruction and all equipment included. $45 per adult, $35 for children ages 6-12. Call for reservations and tour departure times. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-377-7245

Following a $2.3 million restoration, the magnificent Solarium of Henry Flagler's Hotel Ponce de Leon is now open for public tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Closed for decades, the Solarium was one of the outstanding amenities of the hotel when it opened in 1888. Now Flagler College, the former hotel was one of the world's most exclusive destinations during America's Gilded Age. The Solarium is a fourth-floor parlor above the Rotunda and boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Tickets are $6 per person. 74 King St. St. Augustine. 904-823-3378 http://legacy.flagler.edu

El Galeon Tour

Date: 7/1 - 7/31

Tour a full-sized replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon. Docked at the St. Augustine City Marina, the Andalucia is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played such an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. Built in Spain, it is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The ship is available for tours Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturady & Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adult; $8 for youth. Tickets are available at the Colonial Quarter and St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-1606

During Florida Educators Appreciation Summer, Florida educators get free admission to Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth! Just present your photo ID with Florida Educator pay stub or school ID at the FOY ticket window. Standard admission rates apply to other members of the party. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. with last ticket sold at 5 p.m. Regular park admission of $12 Adults, $11 seniors, $8 Children 6 - 12 applies (local discount available). 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine. 904-829-3168 www.fountainofyouthflorida.com

The new St. Augustine Distillery opened its doors to the public for the first time this month. The beautiful new distillery is located in the historic power and ice plant built in stages between 1905 and 1927. The distillery will offer free tours and tastings from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. The grand opening includes the release of the first spirit legally produced in Northeast Florida since prohibition. Bottles of this 100% Florida Cane Vodka will be available for purchase. 112 Riberia Street, St. Augustine. 904-825-4962 www.staugustinedistillery.com

Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Special Ghost Invasion

Date: 7/10 - 7/10

This special three-hour investigation at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum takes place annually on the anniversary of three tragic deaths that occurred here in 1873. Explore the tower, keepers' house and nature trails with your own ghost hunting equipment or rent an EMF meter on site. The investigation begins at 10:45 p.m. Space is limited. Call or go online to purchase advance tickets ($35 non-members/$30 members). 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org

The Ancient City Game Fish Challenge, formerly known as the Kingfish Challenge, takes place at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina and features a two-day SKA-sanctioned Kingfish Tournament along with an Inshore Tournament. Junior anglers compete on July 11. This year's Challenge will be in memory of Jerad Revels, a local high school student who lost his life while working on his family farm. 111 Avenida Mendez Ave., St. Augustine.